Multi-Format Transmission Circuit for Interface Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic apparatuses with diverse devices from different vendors often have incompatible interfaces, limiting the ability to exchange data effectively across various devices.

Innovation Solution

A transmission device that can generate and transmit signals in multiple formats, including differential, three-phase, and single-phase signals, allowing it to adapt to different interfaces through a processor and transmitter configuration with serializers, selectors, exclusive-OR circuits, and drivers, enabling operation in various modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a device uses a single processor to support multiple interfaces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple transmission modes (single-phase, differential, three-phase) through a single device. The selector circuit chooses between different signal generation paths, and the driver circuit can operate in different configurations, allowing one processor to interface with various devices from different vendors without requiring separate processors for each interface type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple processors are used to support different interfaces, then interface compatibility is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of processors
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple interface support capabilities into a single processor and transmitter unit. Instead of using separate processors for different interfaces, the invention combines single-phase, differential, and three-phase transmission capabilities within one integrated transmitter, reducing the total number of processors needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different interface types are supported, then system design flexibility is improved, but circuit layout area increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design flexibilityVSAvoidcircuit layout area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transmitter employs universal circuits that can perform multiple functions. The selector circuit routes signals through different paths based on the required interface type, and the driver circuit can be configured for different output modes. This multi-functional design allows various interfaces to be supported within a compact footprint, minimizing the circuit layout area while maintaining system design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3125482B1Transmission device and communication device
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3125482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3125482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3125482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A transmission device of the disclosure includes a first selector configured to select one of a first signal and a second signal, and output the selected signal; a second selector configured to select one of an inversion signal of the first signal, the second signal, and an inversion signal of the second signal, and output the selected signal; a first control signal generator configured to generate a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal, based on the first signal, the second signal, and a third signal; a first driver configured to set a voltage of a first output terminal, based on an output signal of the first selector and the first control signal; and a second driver configured to set a voltage of a second output terminal, based on an output signal of the second selector and the second control signal.